Long Beach State dance major Vanessa Cruz was born with arthrogryposis, a condition characterized by joint contractures and muscle weakness throughout the body. Despite challenges, Cruz has continued to pursue her passion for dance. Cruz sits down with the Daily Forty-Niner to discuss her journey to the CSULB dance department.
Tag: dance
CSULB student raises the barre
Second-year dance major Vanessa Cruz hopes to pave the way for future generations of disabled dancers at CSULB and beyond.
Retired CSULB College of the Arts Dean reflects on her career
During her decades-long career in dance and theater instruction, Cyrus Parker Jeannette rose from teaching improv and choreography classes to becoming dean of Long Beach State’s College of the Arts in 2014.
Hawaiian culture will take center stage at the 25th annual E Hula Mau, Labor Day weekend
One of the biggest hula and chant competitions in Southern California, E Hula Mau, will take place this Labor Day weekend at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. Ten schools from across California will perform various forms of hula and chant at the three-day event.
Introducing: The Jewelettez
Jalaysha Seals, founder and president of Jewelettez, formerly called Melanin Magic, discusses goals, expectations and values for the the first all-Black dance team at Long Beach State. Video by: Ralston Dacanay Edited by: Ralston Dacanay
LBSU’s first all-Black dance team adds more jewels
Water bottle. Tennis shoes. Jazz shoes (optional). Face full of makeup (highly desired). The list of items given to auditionees for Long Beach State’s first all-Black dance team perfectly captured the playful, fiery spirit of its seven performers. New life was added to the team during auditions in the Kinesiology[Read More…]
A behind the scenes look at the 2019 Contemporary Dance Concert
The CSULB Dance Department hosted the 2019 Contemporary Dance Concert from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16. The concert showcased nine works composed by 16 undergraduate dance students. In the days leading up to opening curtain, The Daily 49er shadowed the student dancers and choreographers responsible for creating and performing the[Read More…]
Diverse dance pieces to be presented in ‘Fusion’
Every few years, Long Beach State University’s music and dance departments join forces to present a collaborative work and this year’s presentation of “Fusion” will showcase a diverse range of dance pieces. In partnership with the Bob Cole Conservatory Symphony and the CSULB Chamber Choir, “Fusion” will feature three premieres[Read More…]
joyUS justUS radicalizes joy with movement and live music
A vibrant and engaging dance performance from CONTRA-TIEMPO explores issues in today’s society through diverse movements and the expression of joy. CONTRA-TIEMPO, a dance company that combines multiple styles such as salsa, Afro-Cuban and contemporary, is collaborating with Los Angeles band Las Cafeteras to premiere its show joyUS justUS 8[Read More…]
Prepare to dance, eat, sing and connect with campus clubs
Making your way through the crowded quad, walking by colorful tents to the sounds of cheering club members and blasting music can only mean one thing — Week of Welcome. The two-day event happens every semester at Long Beach State and provides an opportunity for students to see what the[Read More…]